Device for use in rebuilding clutches

ABSTRACT

A device for use in rebuilding clutches which includes a table. The table has a plurality of radially positioned slots, and a plurality of clamping arms is pivotedly connected to the table. Each clamping arm is movably positioned in a respective slot. An arm spring is connected to each of the clamping arms, constantly urging the arms toward the center of the table. An arm positioner is connected to each of the clamping arms for determining the initial or rest position of each of the arms. Each of the arms is connected to an arm actuator, which simultaneously moves all of the arms. A reciprocal spindle is mounted in the center of the table and is surrounded by the clamping arms. A hydraulic spindle cylinder is connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle, and a hydraulic actuator cylinder is part of the arm actuator to operate the arms. A positive displacement pump is connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder and to the hydraulic actuator cylinder. Valving is provided for selectively operating each of the cylinders. A hydraulic circuit is connected between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic spindle cylinder in parallel with the valving for the spindle cylinder to allow the reciprocation of the positive displacement pump to be transmitted to the spindle through the hydraulic spindle cylinder.

United States Patent 91 Wognum [451 Apr. 17, 1973 DEVICE FOR USE IN REBUILDING CLUTCHES [76] Inventor: James N. Wognum, 9309 South Pleasant Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60620 22 Filed: .llunel, 1971 21 Appl.No.: 148,323

[52] US. Cl ..29/200 .1, 29/200 P [51] Int. Cl. ..B23p 19/00 [58] Field of Search ..29/200 P, 200 J,

29/200 R, 200 D, 208 F [56] l 1 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,521,346 7/l970 Tongurian ..29/200 J Primary Examiner-Thomas H. Eager Att0meySt0ne, Zummer & Aubel [57] ABSTRACT A device for use in rebuilding clutches which includes a table. The table has a plurality of radially positioned slots, and a plurality of clamping arms is pivotedly connected to the table. Each clamping arm is movably positioned in a respective slot. An arm spring is connected to each of the clamping arms, constantly urging the arms toward the center of the table. An arm positioner is connected to each of the clamping arms for determining the initial or rest position of each of the arms. Each of the arms is connected to an arm ac tuator, which simultaneously moves all of the arms. A reciprocal spindle is mounted in the center of the table and is surrounded by the clamping arms. A hydraulic spindle cylinder is connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle, and a hydraulic actuator cylinder is part of the arm actuator to operate the arms. A positive displacement pump is connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder and to the hydraulic actuator cylinder. Valving is provided for selectively operating each of the cylinders. A hydraulic circuit is connected between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic spindle cylinder in parallel with the valving for the spindle cylinder to allow the reciprocation of the positive displacement pump to be transmitted to the spindle through the hydraulic spindle cylinder.

18 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENIE APR 1 71975 SHEET 1 OF 4 INVENTOR JAMES IV. WOGNUM E VIIIIIIIIIIIII YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII A rromeys PATENTEUAPR 1 1 3; 727, 283

sum 2 OF A /NVEIV7'OR: JAMES N. WOG/VUM A from eys SHEET 3 BF 4 APR I 71973 FIG. 5

/ Al VE N TOR:

JAMES N. WOG/VUM 19) $0 A fiomeys PATENTED 3,727, 283

I sum u UF 4 INVENTOR JAMES N. WOG/VUM fiygg n 9 M J W Attorneys m IT. m w w. G I1 I 4 x r W 2 W O, H w I Ii 1 1. M I ZMVM WNW l- W w l0 Isl DEVIEE FOR USE IN REBIUILDING CLUTEIIIIES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Certain vehicles, such as, automobiles, trucks, and

tractors, which are driven by an internal combustion engine, usually contain a clutch device for connecting and disconnecting the internal combustion engine with the drive train. In many applications, a mechanical fric tion clutch is used inasmuch as it provides the most efficient type of operation for certain applications. In certain instances, the clutch which is used in a given vehicle is put to uses by an operator for which the clutch was not intended. Even if the clutch is used properly, as with most mechanical devices, the various parts of the clutch tend to wear out. It is an accepted practice to remove a clutch and to rebuild the clutch by replacing or refinishing the clutch plate and other parts which may be worn.

In the normal rebuilding of a mechanical friction clutch, highly specialized apparatus is used for holding parts of a clutch in position during assembly. It is an accepted practice to run in a clutch after it has been assembled in order to assure proper positioning of all of the parts. The apparatus which are used heretofore, although suitable for their intended purpose, are cumbersome to operate and are inefficient in many aspects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved device which is particularly adapted for use in rebuilding a clutch. The instant device includes a table having a relatively flat surface for supporting parts of a clutch. The table includes a reciprocal spindle which may be lowered below the level of the table so that clutch parts may be easily placed on the table. Retraction of the spindle eliminates the need for a workman to lift a heavy clutch housing over an upwardly-extending spindle. The table has twelve radial slots, which are spaced at 30 to each other. Each slot has a clamping arm movably mounted therein. Each clamping arm is connected to an arm spring. An arm positioner is con nected to all of the clamping arms to position the arms in their initial position. An arm actuator is connected to all of the arms for moving the arms toward the spindle simultaneously. The connection of the arms to the arm spring is such that a given number of arms may be held in a retracted position without affecting the inward motion of the remainder of the arms. The arm actuator is operated by a hydraulic actuator cylinder, and the spindle is reciprocated by a hydraulic spindle cylinder. The two hydraulic cylinders are connected to a positive displacement hydraulic pump. Appropriate valving is provided to operate selectively the two hydraulic cylinders. An additional hydraulic circuit is provided between the hydraulic spindle cylinder and the pump, which allows the hydraulic spindle cylinder to be reciprocated with the hydraulic pump for the purpose of having a rapid reciprocation of the spindle during a run-in" operation of the clutch. It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a device for use in rebuilding a clutch wherein clamping arms move radially toward a centrally positioned spindle so that various size clutches may be rebuilt on the device with a minimum of adjustment of the device.

It is a further object of the herein-disclosed invention to provide a device for use in rebuilding clutches in which a clutch assembly may be compressed at a variety of rates.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a device of the character described wherein the clutch components may be easily positioned on the device and may be conveniently manipulated during assembly of the clutch.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a device of the character described wherein a clutch may be run in" quickly and conveniently.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device of the character described which has an improved hydraulic circuit for performing requisite operations of the device.

It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide a device for use in clutch rebuilding which may be economically manufactured and provides a high degree of reliability.

Other objects and uses of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a perusal of the following specification in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a device for use in rebuilding a clutch embodying the present invention, shown with a clutch housing mounted on the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view taken on Line 2--2 of F IG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on Line 3-3 of FIG. 2, showing a portion of the device of FIG. 1 but with parts broken away in order to show better the construction of the device;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on Line 4-4, showing a stop pin mounted in a radial slot for restraining a clamping arm;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary partial cross-sectional view, showing a clamping arm and an arm actuator, with the arm in an initial or rest position;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but showing the clamping arm of FIG. 5 in a locking position;

FIG. 7 is a partial fragmentary view of a spindle and a hydraulic spindle cylinder mounted on a table;

FIG. E is a cross-sectional side: elevational view, showing an anvil mounted on the spindle in engagement with a lever of a clutch;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuitry of the instant device and the interrelationship of various moving parts with the hydraulic circuitry; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, showing a tool mounted on the spindle with the tool in contact with levers of a clutch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and especially to FIGS. 1 and 3, a device for use in rebuilding clutches is shown therein and generally identified by numeral 20. The device 20 generally includes a table 22, a plurality of identical clamping arms 24 movably mounted on the table, an arm positioner 26 connected to each of the arms, an arm actuator 28 connected to the table and to each of the arms, a spindle 30 reciprocally mounted in the table, and a spindle operator 32 mounted in the table and connected to the spindle 30. A hydraulic system 34 is mounted on the table and is connected to the spindle operator and the arm actuator.

The table 22 is of a specific design particularly adapted for supporting a clutch assembly. The table includes a center tube 36 which has the spindle operator mounted inside. The center tube 36 has a closure 38 on its upper end, with an aperture 40 formed therein which receives the spindle 30. Fixed to the upper end of the tube 36 is a plurality of side wall plates 42 which are arranged in parallel pairs, and the pairs of plates 42 extend radially from the tube 36. An end wall plate 44 is fixed to each pair of side wall plates 42 to define radial slots 46 which extend from the tube 36 to the respective end wall plate 44. Each slot 46 movably receives a clamping arm 24. Between adjacent pairs of side wall plates 42, there is positioned floor plates 48. Legs 50 are connected to appropriate floor plates 48 and provide a vertical support for the table. A plurality of triangular webs 52 also connects the floor plates 48 with the tube 36 to provide stability for the table and support for the tube 36.

A tube plate 54 is fixed to the tube 36 and constitutes a flange plate of the spindle operator 32. The spindle operator 32 includes a hydraulic spindle cylinder. The spindle cylinder includes a tube 56 which has one end fixed to the tube plate 54. A head 58 is sealingly connected to the tube 56. The construction of the head is conventional and contains agland 60 for sealing connection with the portion of the spindle 30 which passes through the head. A plurality of tie rods 62 hold the head and tube into engagement with the plate 54. A

. piston 64 is sealingly and slideably mounted in the tube 56 and is connected to the spindle 30. The piston 64 engages a compression spring 66 which constantly urges the piston 64 upward.

The arm actuator 28 is fixed to the table, and is connected to the tube plate 54. The arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder which has an arm actuator rod 68 fixed to the plate 54. The rod 68 is fixed relative to the table and extends downward. An actuator piston 70 is fixed to the rod 68, which piston is mateably positioned in an actuator tube 72. An actuator head 74 is slideably mounted on the rod 68 and sealingly engages the upper end of tube 72. A second actuator head 76 sealingly engages the other end of the tube 72. The heads are held to the tube by conventional tie rods 78. The head 76 is connected to the hydraulic system 34 through a port 80 in the head. The actuator also includes an actuator plate 82 which is fixed to the head 74 for movement therewith. The actuator plate 82 has twelve pairs of ears 84 fixed thereto for pivotal connection with the clamping arms 24, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

As was mentioned above, each of the radial'slots 46 has a clamping arm 24 mounted therein. The radial slots direct and limit the movement of the clamping arms. Each of the clamping arms 24 includes a column 86 which has mounted on the upper end a head 88 for engagement with a clutch housing. Each head 88 includes a bushing 90 which is fixed to the upper end of the column 86. A rod 92 is slideably mounted in the bushing, and the rod has a stop 94 on one end with a foot 96 fixed to the other end. A spring 98 is mounted on the rod 92 between the foot 96 and the bushing 90 to, keep the foot 96 in a downwardly-extending position. Mounted on the other end of the column 86 is a cross-arm 100, which is perpendicularly aligned to the column. The cross-arm has one end pivotedly connected to the ears 84 by a pivot pin 102, which allows the arm to pivot back and forth relative to the actuator plate 82. The other end of the cross-arm 100 includes a positioner mating surface 104, which is engageable with the arm positioner 26. The positioner surface 104 extends to a notch 106. A spring notch 108 is formed in the lower edge of the cross-arm to receive an arm spring 1 10.

Each arm spring 110 is identical in construction to each other arm spring in that each arm spring includes a hook 112 which is positioned in the spring notch 102. A pair of tension springs 114 is connected to the hook 112, with each of the tension springs being on an opposite side of its respective clamping arm. Each of the tension springs is connected to a suspension hook 116 fixed in its respective floor plate 48. It may be appreciated that each clamping arm 24 is pivotedly connected to the actuator plate 82 and that the arm spring of each clamping arm constantly urges the clamping arm to pivot about the actuator plate but is restrained by the arm positioner 26.

The arm positioner 26 includes a ring 118 which engages the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms. A plurality of nuts 120 is fixed to the ring 118. A threaded post 122 is threadedly mounted in each of the nuts 120, and the threaded post extends upward through its respective floor plate 48. The post 122 has a reduced portion 124, with a bushing 126 mounted thereon in engagement with the floor 48 to allow the post to rotate relative to the floor. A head nut is mounted on the end of the reduced portion 124 to hold the post in position and to provide a convenient means for rotating the post. A sprocket 130 is fixed to the other end of the post 122. A bracket 132 supports the bottom of the post. Each of the sprockets 130 is connected to a chain 134 so that as one of the posts 122 is turned, all of the posts turn simultaneously, thereby raising or lowering the nuts 120 relative to the respective posts and also raising or lowering the ring 118.

The operative power for the present device is delivered by the hydraulic system 34. Looking now to FIG. 9, which shows a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system 34 in relationship to the other parts of device 20, it may be seen that a positive displacement hydraulic pump 136 is driven by an air pump 138. The positive displacement pump 136 is connected to a oneway valve 140 through a hydraulic line 142. The valve 140 is connected to an accumulator 144, which is connected to the hydraulic line 146. The hydraulic line is connected to a tee 148 wherein the line branches. From the tee 148, one line 150 flows to the hydraulic actuator cylinder through a throttling valve 152 and through a three-way closed center valve 154. From the other side of the tee 148, a hydraulic line 156 is connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder through a throttling valve 158 and a three-way closed center valve 160. A third hydraulic line 162 is connected to the positive displacement hydraulic pump 136 and the spindle cylinder. The line 162 has an on-off valve 164 positioned in series for controlling the flow through the line.

The device may be used for handling mechanical clutches of a large variety of sizes. The maximum number of bolts which are used in a housing in most clutches is twelve. Thus, the present device has twelve clamping arms. It may be appreciated that there are many clutches which utilize less than twelve bolts. However, most of the bolts are spaced in increments of from each other so that if there are less than 12 bolts in a given clutch, selected arms may be held in an inoperative position. Each of the pairs of side wall plates 42 has a plurality of stop openings 166 which may receive a stop rod 168. It may be appreciated that when the clamping arm is positioned behind the stop rod, the clamping arm engages the stop rod 168 and is held from further movement toward the spindle 30.

Once the size of the clutch to be worked on is determined, the initial position of the clamping rods 24 is determined by adjusting the height of the ring 118. It may be seen that by lowering the ring 118, the crossarms 100 of the arms are pivoted on pivot pins 102 so that the heads of the clamping arms are moved away from the spindle 30 against the force of the respective arm springs 110. However, when the ring 118 is raised, the arm spring 110 pulls the clamping arms up relative to the actuator plate 82 to move the heads toward the spindle 30.

After the appropriate spacing of the clamping arms is determined, the valve 160 is activated in order to retract the spindle 30. The necessary parts may be loaded onto the table, and the housing is then positioned. The spindle is raised at an appropriate time during assembly. As is well-known, the springs for the clutch plates are positioned and the housing is mounted on the springs. As may be seen in FIG. 8, an anvil 170 is mounted to set a lever 172 of the clutch. With the housing in position and other parts positioned, the valve 154 is operated to provide hydraulic fluid under pressure to the arm actuator 28. The hydraulic fluid under pressure enters the space between tube 72 between the second actuator head 76 and the actuator piston 70 to pull down the actuator plate 82 since the piston 70 is fixed relative to the table. As the actuator plate 82 is pulled down, the positioner surface 104 of each of the crossarms 100 engages the ring 118 and extends the arm springs 110, thereby forcing the clamping arms to converge. upon the clutch housing. It may be appreciated that if selected arms are prevented from moving forward by virtue of the fact that they engage a stop rod 168, their limitation in movement in no way affects the remainder of the clamping arms since the only thing that happens then is that those clamping arms are pulled down into their respective slots. Those clamping arms which do not engage stop rods then move into engagement with the clutch housing. All of the clamping arms move simultaneously at the same rate and with the same force so that the clamping arms center the housing relative to the spindle 30. The clamping arms can no longer move inward toward the spindle when they engage housing. Further movement of the actuator plate in a downward direction pulls the clamping arms downward. It should be noted at this point that the rate of movement of the clamping arms is determined by the throttling valve 152. Thus, an operator can have a very slow or fast movement of the clamping arms as desired. Movement of the clamping arms may be interrupted by an appropriate positioning of the valve 54 for reasons such as adjustment of various parts or positioning of parts.

As was mentioned above, once the clamping arms engage the periphery of the clutch housing, they are pulled down so that the feet 96 of the clamping arms engage the upper surface of the housing and further movement of the actuator plate pulls the housing down.

In order to run in the clutch, a tool 174 is connected to the spindle 30. The valve 160 is moved to a closed attitude, and the valve 164 is opened so that there is a direct connection from the pump 136 to the cylinder 32 with no accumulator in the hydraulic circuit. When the air pump is activated to reciprocate the pump, the liquid flows directly to the cylinder 32 and the spring 66 constantly urges the piston 64 upward so that as the pump forces in fluid, the piston is compressed. However, when the pump makes its return stroke, fluid is withdrawn from the cylinder and returned to the pump, thereby reciprocating the spindle at substantially the same rate at which the air pump 138 operates. It may be appreciated that this rate of reciprocation quickly operates the clutch so that the clutch has a good run in.

After the clutch is assembled, it is a simple matter to remove the clutch. The spindle 30 is retracted to provide a substantially flat surface at the center of the table. The valve 154 is set so that the fluid from the cylinder 28 is dumped and the arm springs then pull the actuator plate 82 upward to first raise the feet 96 from the clutch housing and then retract the clamping arms.

Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail above, it is readily apparent that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes in the instant apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is to be expressly understood that the instant invention is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device of the character described comprising, a table, means for clamping a housing onto the table, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, a hydraulic spindle cylinder having a piston, the piston of said hydraulic spindle cylinder being connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the piston constantly urging the piston in one direction, a positive displacement hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder, a first valve controlling the flow of fluid from the pump to the spindle cylinder in one hydraulic circuit, a one-way valve in said hydraulic circuit in series with the first valve, and a second hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the one hydraulic circuit, said second hydraulic circuit having an on-off valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in said second hydraulic circuit.

2. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for clamping a housing onto the table includes a plurality of clamping arms movably mounted relative to the table, an arm spring connected to each of the clamping arms for resiliently holding the respective arm in engagement with a housing, an armpositioning device connected to the clamping arms for determining the initial position of the arms relative to each other, and an arm actuator connected to the clamping arms for simultaneously moving all of the arms toward each other to engage a housing for clamping engagement with the housing in cooperation with the table.

3. A device of the character described as defined in claim 2 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms, and including a spindle reciprocally mounted on said table.

4. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, and said means for clamping the housing onto the table includes a clamping arm mounted in each of the radial slots adapted for engagement with a housing, and an arm actuator connected to the arms for moving the arms relative to each other and into engagement and disengagement with the housing.

5. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for clamping a housing onto the table includes a plurality of arms movably mounted relative to said table, each of said arms includes a crossarm, an arm actuator connected to one end of each of the cross-arms, a ring engaging the other end of each of the cross arms, a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, and a spring connected to each of the cross-arms between the ends thereof.

6. A device of the character described comprising, a table, a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the table and being movable relative thereto, an arm spring connected to each of the clamping arms constantly urging each arm in a given direction, an arm positioner connected to the clamping arms for determining the initial position of each of the arms relative to each other and to the table, and an arm actuator connected to the clamping arms for simultaneously moving all of the arms relative to each otherand to the table.

7. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and being movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms, and including a spindle reciprocally mounted on said table, a hydraulic spindle cylinder connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table, a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic pump being connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder, a valve controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic actuator cylinder, and a second valve controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic spin dle cylinder.

8. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each of the radial slots movably receives and guides a clamping arm.

9. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein the hydraulic spindle cylinder includes a spindle piston connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the spindle piston constantly urging the spindle piston in one direction, said hydraulic pump being a positive displacement hydraulic pump, a one-way valve connected in series with the second valve, a hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic spindle cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the second valve and the one-way valve, and an on-off valve in said hydraulic circuit parallel to the second valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic spindle cylinder and the hydraulic pump.

10. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein each of the clamping arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm having one end pivotedly connected to the cylinder tube of the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said arm positioner including a ring connected to the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms, and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.

11. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the arms includes a cross-arm, each of the cross-arms is pivotedly connected at one end to the arm actuator, said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms, and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.

12. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each of the radial slots movably receives and guides a clamping arm, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table positioned substantially equidistantly spaced from one end of each of the radial slots, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.

13. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and movable relative to the table, each of the clamping arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm being pivotedly connected to the cylinder tube of the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of each of the cross-arms and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the crossarms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, and each spring being connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.

14. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each radial slot movably receives and guides a clamping arm, and a stop pin removably positionable in each of the radial slots for engaging the respective clamping arm to limit movement of said clamping arm.

15. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm has one end pivotedly connected to the arm actuator, and said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms and a post is connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.

16. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 including, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.

17. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a radial slot movably receiving and guiding each of the clamping arms, and the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving the piston and movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms for moving the clamping arms in their respective radial slots.

18. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6, including a spindle reciprocally mounted in the table, a hydraulic cylinder having a piston, said piston being connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the piston constantly urging the piston in one direction, a positive displacement hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic cylinder, a first hydraulic circuit between the positive displacement pump and the hydraulic cylinder, a first valve controlling the flow of fluid from the pump to the cylinder in both directions in said first hydraulic circuit, a one-way valve in series with said first valve in said first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the first hydraulic circuit, said second hydraulic circuit having an on-off valve for controlling the flow in said second hydraulic circuit in both directions. 

1. A device of the character described comprising, a table, means for clamping a housing onto the table, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, a hydraulic spindle cylinder having a piston, the piston of said hydraulic spindle cylinder being connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the piston constantly urging the piston in one direction, a positive displacement hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder, a first valve controlling the flow of fluid from the pump to the spindle cylinder in one hydraulic circuit, a one-way valve in said hydraulic circuit in series with the first valve, and a second hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the one hydraulic circuit, said second hydraulic circuit having an on-off valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in said second hydraulic circuit.
 2. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for clamping a housing onto the table includes a plurality of clamping arms movably mounted relative to the table, an arm spring connected to each of the clamping arms for resiliently holding the respective arm in engagement with a housing, an arm-positioning device connected to the clamping arms for determining the initial position of the arms relative to each other, and an arm actuator connected to the clamping arms for simultaneously moving all of the arms toward each other to engage a housing for clamping engagement with the housing in cooperation with the table.
 3. A device of the character described as defined in claim 2 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms, and including a spindle reciprocally mounted on said table.
 4. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, and said means for clamping the housing onto the table includes a clamping arm mounted in each of the radial slots adapted for engagement with a housing, and an arm actuator connected to the arms for moving the arms relative to each other and into engagement and disengagement with the housing.
 5. A device of the character described as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for clamping a housing onto the table includes a plurality of arms movably mounted relative to said table, each of said arms includes a cross-arm, an arm actuator connected to one end of each of the cross-arms, a ring engaging the other end of each of the cross-arms, a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, and a spring connected to each of the cross-arms between the ends thereof.
 6. A device of the character described comprising, a table, a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the table and being movable relative thereto, an arm spring connected to each of the clamping arms constantly urging each arm in a given direction, an arm positioner connected to the clamping arms for determining the initial position of each of the arms relative to each other and to the table, and an arm actuator connected to the clamping arms for simultaneously moving all of the arms relative to each other and to the table.
 7. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic Actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and being movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms, and including a spindle reciprocally mounted on said table, a hydraulic spindle cylinder connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table, a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic pump being connected to the hydraulic spindle cylinder, a valve controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic actuator cylinder, and a second valve controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic spindle cylinder.
 8. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each of the radial slots movably receives and guides a clamping arm.
 9. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein the hydraulic spindle cylinder includes a spindle piston connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the spindle piston constantly urging the spindle piston in one direction, said hydraulic pump being a positive displacement hydraulic pump, a one-way valve connected in series with the second valve, a hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic spindle cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the second valve and the one-way valve, and an on-off valve in said hydraulic circuit parallel to the second valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic spindle cylinder and the hydraulic pump.
 10. A device of the character described as defined in claim 7 wherein each of the clamping arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm having one end pivotedly connected to the cylinder tube of the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said arm positioner including a ring connected to the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms, and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.
 11. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the arms includes a cross-arm, each of the cross-arms is pivotedly connected at one end to the arm actuator, said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms, and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.
 12. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each of the radial slots movably receives and guides a clamping arm, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table positioned substantially equidistantly spaced from one end of each of the radial slots, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.
 13. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving said piston and movable relative to the table, each of the clamping arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm being pivotedly connected to the cylinder tube of the hydraulic actuator cylinder, said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of each of the cross-arms and a post connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms reLative to each other, and each spring being connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.
 14. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a plurality of radial slots, each radial slot movably receives and guides a clamping arm, and a stop pin removably positionable in each of the radial slots for engaging the respective clamping arm to limit movement of said clamping arm.
 15. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the arms includes a cross-arm, each cross-arm has one end pivotedly connected to the arm actuator, and said arm positioner includes a ring engaging the other end of the cross-arm of each of the clamping arms and a post is connected to the ring for positioning the ring relative to the cross-arms to determine the position of the clamping arms relative to each other, each arm spring is connected to the cross-arm of its respective clamping arm between the ends thereof.
 16. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 including, a spindle reciprocally mounted on the table, and a spindle operator connected to the spindle for reciprocating the spindle relative to the table.
 17. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6 wherein the table includes a radial slot movably receiving and guiding each of the clamping arms, and the arm actuator includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder, said hydraulic actuator cylinder includes a piston fixed relative to the table and a cylinder tube mateably receiving the piston and movable relative to the table, said actuator cylinder tube being pivotedly connected to each of the clamping arms for moving the clamping arms in their respective radial slots.
 18. A device of the character described as defined in claim 6, including a spindle reciprocally mounted in the table, a hydraulic cylinder having a piston, said piston being connected to the spindle, a spring connected to the piston constantly urging the piston in one direction, a positive displacement hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic cylinder, a first hydraulic circuit between the positive displacement pump and the hydraulic cylinder, a first valve controlling the flow of fluid from the pump to the cylinder in both directions in said first hydraulic circuit, a one-way valve in series with said first valve in said first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic pump in parallel with the first hydraulic circuit, said second hydraulic circuit having an on-off valve for controlling the flow in said second hydraulic circuit in both directions. 